2018 VW Atlas R-Line: Styling, Interior, Arrival

The Atlas is VW’s all-new three-row crossover SUV built on the
unibody platform and designed to suit the needs of the US
market. The production of the model takes place in Chattanooga,
Tennessee where VW also producing the Passat sedan. VW
three-row mid-size model is already on sale and available from
$30, 500. Buyers can get this model in five trim levels and
choose from two engine options. However, the 2018 VW Atlas
R-Line is the sporty appearance package which will enhance the
exterior and interior of the model with some performance
flourishes but won’t bring substantial performance upgrades. VW
will offer this package on the SE and SEL trims.

2018 VW Atlas R-Line: Sportier appearance

The Atlas is mid-sized seven-seater engineered around the MQB
platform and about 200 inches long. The wheelbase measures
117.3 inches and passengers can enjoy high comfort in all
seating rows.

From the visual perspective, Atlas adopts brands newest design
language and adds muscular lines to improve model’s impression.
The front end has a horizontally-oriented design with the wide
grille and mandatory LED headlights. The profile is decorated
with the dynamic character line and the rear end also has some
flourishes to improve its conservative style.

The R-Line adds to that with some sports elements for the added
visual interest. The R-Lined model will boast sportier front
and rear bumpers. The front bumper has air-intakes divided with
the horizontal element and the rear includes gloss black
painted diffuser. What also makes the difference are unique
20-inch wheels, R-Line badging and side skirts.

Interior:

Inside the R-Line trim has the flat-bottom sports steering
wheel with the R-Line badge. The R-Line logo is also present on
the VW’s multi media’s start screen. Additional R-Line specific
detail is the stainless-steel pedal covers.

2018 VW Atlas R-Line: Powertrains

The 2018 VW Atlas R-Line brings only the visual enhancements
inside and out but there are no upgrades in model’s
performance.

The buyers can pick the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
engine or demand more powerful 3.6-liter V-6. Both engines come
in the combination with the 8-speed automatic transmission. The
buyers can also choose between the front- or all-wheel drive.

The four-cylinder engine is only available with the front-wheel
drive. It delivers 235 hp and torque of 258 pound-feet. The
3.6-liter unit produces 276 hp and torque of 258 lb-ft.
Equipped with this engine, the Atlas can tow up to 5, 000
pounds.

The fuel economy is available for the V-6 version only. The
front-wheel drive version returns 18/25/20 mpg
city/highway/combined. The all-wheel drive models earn 17mpg
city, 23 highways and 19 combined.

2018 VW Atlas R-Line: Availability, Price

While other versions have been on sale since this spring, the
2018 VW Atlas R-Line will arrive late this year. VW hasn’t
revealed the price for this package yet. The current versions
are available from $30, 500 up to $48, 500 for the SEL Premium
trim.